Additional insured vs. certificate holder: what's the difference?
A certificate holder simply receives a copy of the certificate of insurance. An additional insured is actually covered under the vendor's policy. The difference is the whole game: only an additional insured can be defended and paid under that policy — being listed only as a certificate holder gives you no coverage at all.
Why people mix them up
Both names appear on the same certificate, so it is easy to assume that being "on the COI" means you are protected. You are not. The certificate holder box is just a mailing label; it confirms you were sent the document, nothing more.
How to actually get covered
To be an additional insured, the vendor's insurer has to add you to the policy with an endorsement — commonly CG 20 10 (for ongoing work) and CG 20 37 (for completed work) on a general liability policy. The certificate may say "additional insured," but the coverage only truly exists if that endorsement is on the policy.
What to check
Confirm your business is named as an additional insured (not just the certificate holder), and ask for a copy of the endorsement when the stakes are high. Tracking software can flag certificates that list you only as a certificate holder so the gap does not slip through.
Related terms
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